Family of man killed in March issues public appeal to find accused

Edmonton police said Tuesday that the family of a man found dead in a central Edmonton home in March, was issuing a public plea to help find the man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in his death.

Back on March 8, Demetrios Karahalios, 48, was found dead inside a home in the Oliver area.

Investigators later said Richard Joseph Lacarte, 47, was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for second degree murder.

On Tuesday, in a statement released by Edmonton police, the family of Karahalios reached out to the public to help track down the accused.

“This will never be over for our family. A deep hole has been left in our hearts forever, but we need to find this individual and bring closure to our brother’s death,” Tonia Karahalios said.

Police said Lacarte was known to the deceased, and is believed to have led a drifter lifestyle – he’s been known to work as a roofer at times to support himself.

Lacarte is described as:

Caucasian male

175 cm (5’9”)

68 kg (150 lbs)

Blue eyes

Grey hair

Missing some teeth

He also has tattoos, including Harley Davidson wings on his left bicep, a skull and crossbones, and a tiger.

Since several months have passed since the murder, Homicide investigators said they’re concerned Lacarte may have assumed a new identity.

“For this reason, we are appealing to the public, Canada-wide, to take a hard look at whom they may be letting stay or ‘couch surf’ at their residence,” Det. John Tedeschini with the EPS Homicide Section said in a press release. “We are also requesting homeless shelters, and social agencies that may have come across Mr. Lacarte to provide information on his whereabouts.”

Anyone with information that could help police track Lacarte down is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or #377 on a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).